Last Sunday we lit our first purple advent candle which forms part of the Advent wreath. Three candles are purple (symbolizing prayer, penitence and self-sacrifice) and one is pink (symbolizing joy). Each candle is lit progressively, with the pink candle lit on the third Sunday.
The white Christ Candle in the centre of the wreath symbolises purity and holiness.
The 2nd Sunday of Advent focuses upon The Prophets and gives us an opportunity to reflect on peace and the way the birth of the Messiah was foretold.
Lord Jesus, light of the world,
the prophets said you would bring peace
and save your people in trouble.
Give peace in our hearts at Christmas
and show all the world God’s love.
Amen.
Reading and Gospel
Our reading this week is from Isiah 11 verses 1 – 11 in which the Prophet gives a vivid depiction of a future world where harmony and peace will reign. The attributes and qualities attributed to the coming Messiah serve as a guide for us all to reflect upon in our own lives and actions.
“Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist and faithfulness the belt around his loins”
The full verses can be found in the Old Testament on page 667 of your pew bibles.
Our Gospel reading, from Matthew 3 verses 1 – 12, is on page 3 of the New Testament in your pew bibles.
We hear the voice of the Prophet John the Baptist inviting us all to “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near” and we are reminded that John is the one of whom Isiah spoke when he said:
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.”
John’s call for repentance is part of our preparation for the coming Messiah:
“ …. one who is more powerful than I is coming after me … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Notices
Sunday 7 December 8.00am Book of Common Prayer - Early Morning Communion Service
Sunday 7 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion Service
Monday 8 December 7.30pm Licensing Service for our new Team Rector Sam Follett at All Saints Marlow Church
Wednesday 10 December 10.00am – 12.00pm Daytime Christmas Carols (followed by refreshments) at All Saints Bisham Church
Sunday 14 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion Service
Sunday 14 December 4.00pm Traditional Christmas Service – nine lessons and carols at All Saints Bisham Church
Friday 19 December 8.30am – 9.30am End of Term – school drop off and coffee at All Saints Bisham Church
Sunday 21 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion Service
Sunday 21 December 4.00pm Community Carol Service with the JAM Choir at All Saints Bisham Church
Wednesday 24 December 3.00pm Crib Service at All Saints Bisham Church
Thursday 25 December 9.30am Christmas Day Service at All Saints Bisham Church
Sunday 28 December 9.30am Communion Service at All Saints Bisham Church
If you are entering Santa’s Fun Run in Marlow this Sunday 7 December, then we suggest you come to our earlier 8.00am service. Anybody planning to come to our 9.30am service should be aware that the Marlow River Bridge is likely to be closed between 9.20am and 11.30am